EFFECTIVENESS OF TEACHING METHODS USED IN HIGHER EDUCATION: A CASE STUDY OF EUROPEAN UNIVERSITY OF MADRID, SPAIN

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to determine the effectiveness of various teaching methods used in higher education and the perception of the students regarding these methods. In order to determine the possible ways to obtain strategic advantages and benefit from the strengths, the university has to know what drives foreign students in choosing a certain study program, even if it is outside their country of origin. At the same time, knowing the disadvantages that prevent them from doing so, helps the university include ways to correct the weaknesses or to offer solutions to them. The students, participating in this research, are enrolled at the European University in Madrid, from different study programs and degrees (license, master and doctoral programs) and were asked to answer a questionnaire about the use of teaching methods, about their perceptions upon effective teaching and the reasons that have determined them to choose to follow a study program. The results were in favor of a higher use of projects, group activities and case studies during classes and seminars at the European University of Madrid and of using new technologies in the educational system (e-learning, simulations, use of intranet, and activities in laboratories). As a primer characteristic searched for when choosing a study program, the students mentioned practice, mainly for developing abilities useful for applying for a job as soon as possible. It is, therefore, important to analyze the teaching methods and this research helps us understand how students see the teaching process and which are the methods that help them to better understand and to be more active during classes. Key words: creativity development, innovative teaching, practical activities, teaching methods.